Explore "Tower of the Sun museum" plus Osaka highlights
Joined 2017
First, this tour takes you to "Tower of the Sun museum" built at the time of EXPO 70 and was renewed in 2018 as a permanent facility. The inside is a spectacular art space with "Tree of Life" created by Taro Okamoto. Actually this tree shows the evolution of life from ameba to human being. Strongly recommended to see the this tower as a hidden gem.
Then you will visit highlights of Osaka as Osaka castle and Dotombori. With all visiting these spots, you will be filled with satisfaction.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your hotel in Osaka
- In the lobby
Tower of the Sun
Explore the inside of the tower and see the "Tree of Life".
Lunch
Osaka castle
See outside and inside of the castle
Dotombori
Enjoy the area of foods and view spots
Ending Point
Your hotel or any requested place
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
guiding fee, hotel pick up in central Osaka
your transportation, entrance fee, lunch
Tour Important Information
* Basically public transportation as subway and local train are used. Taxi can be used upon request.
* The tour includes around 6 Kilometers' walk.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
This tour is not available on all days in August.
Important message from the supplier
In case you want to book my tour for two or more consecutive days, please send me a message in advance.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2017
About Tour Guide Rick I.
My nick name is Rick and Japanese name is Ryoichi. I was born and grew up in Kyoto. Kyoto has so many sightseeing spots based on its 1000 year history. I will propose you the "must see" spots from local eyes not only temples & shrines but also alternative side of Kyoto. As Kyoto certified English guide, I will guide you with high hospitality for your satisfactory stay in Kyoto.
1. For the first visitors
I will prepare the tour with selection out of the spots as Nijo-castle, Imperial Palace, Nishiki-market, Gion amusement quarter, Arashiyama area and some temples and shrines of World Cultural Heritage Sites based on your request and taste.
2. For the visitors who want to see more spots than regular tours
I will prepare some unique tours like visiting Fushimi area for Sake brewery and riding classical boat, visiting some traditional handicrafts ateliers, enjoying traditional performing art, etc.
Please make any inquiry for your preferred type of Kyoto guiding without hesitation. I would be happy to propose you with the type of tour that makes your visit in Kyoto unforgettable one.
Credentials:
National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (EN01767)
Kyoto City Licensed English Guide (EN00004)
2nd Grade of the licensing examination on knowledge of Kyoto history & culture
Reviews
Steven E.
“Great tour”
Very enjoyable tour of Fushimi and Uji with Rick. He was very knowledgeable and it was a pleasure to spend the day with him. Would definitely recommend.
Rick I.
Dear Steven, Thank you very much for the nice review! I'm glad you enjoyed the boat riding, Sake brewery, and Uji area with Byodoin temple in cherry blossoms, and so on. I also enjoyed the nicest season with you and your friendly families. Thank you again. Rick
Steven E.
“Great tour with Rick”
We had a great Kyoto tour with Rick. He was knowledgeable and very personable and it was a great way to see Kyoto. Would highly recommend.
Rick I.
Dear Steven, Thank you very much for the nice review. It was my pleasure touring Kyoto with you and your family. I'm very glad that we saw so beautiful cherry blossoms and I hope Kyoto will be one of your nicest memories in Japan! Rick
Karen B.
“Day out in Kyoto”
What a wonderful host !!! Rick met us off the Shinkansen at the exact point the train stopped!! His communication and planing prior to our trip as excellent. We wanted to do some specific things which he happily accommodated. We had such a busy day but thoroughly enjoyed every moment. We would highly recommend Rick as a guide worth every penny !!
Rick I.
Dear Karen, Thank you very much for the nice review! It was my pleasure to help you enjoy the tour. I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour and l appreciate all of you were very friendly and cooperative. Please enjoy the rest of the tour in Japan! Best regards, Rick
$375/ per group
More tours by Rick I.
Full Day Kyoto highlight Tour
This course has four choices. Please select one of the four courses shown below. Rick will guide you deep inside the Kyoto history, culture, tradition and nature in each course. Each course can be customized upon your request as far as possible. Every course has spectacular spots which will satisfy you with visiting Kyoto!
Half Day Kyoto highlights tour plus optional Maiko dinner
By joining this tour, you can enjoy main 3 sightseeing spots of Kyoto in around 5 hours. After that you have an option to join Maiko dinner which you can enjoy Japanese cuisine and Maiko (apprentice Geisha) traditional performance in around 2 hours. This tour does not include the time for lunch.
Summer early bird half day tour of Kyoto
The summer in Kyoto is so hot, especially in the afternoon. This is a 4-hour tour which starts at 7:30 AM (or 8:00) for avoiding the heat in the afternoon. The visiting spots are mainly in forests or indoor. Highly recommended to choose this tour from later July to Middle of September. Upon request, I will take you to a nice local Japanese restaurant for lunch without any extended guiding fee.
In Depth Analysis of Nijo castle plus Kyoto highlights
Nijo castle is not just an old castle but it is a great showcase of Japanese art, history and architecture. I will explain deep inside of this it taking double time including some secret stories, latest academic findings and so on which are not described in any guide book or online information. After that, we will visit Kyoto Imperial Palace where had been emperor's resident for hundreds years. Finally the tour finishes visiting Nishiki food market which has been said as "Kitchen of Kyoto."
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Osaka
Spiritual Tour in Temple Town, Osaka
Visit an image of paradise in this world and the afterlife. Osaka began around the 7th century when the Imperial Palace and the Temple were built on the hill. In the Middle Ages, aristocrats believed that the paradise (Pure Land of Buddha) of the afterlife was beyond the setting sun, and built hermitages for Sunset Meditation. Time passed, and merchants enjoyed the performing arts in a paradise-like entertainment zone below the hill. Movie Palace was also built, and the slopes became locations.
Tour of Osaka-jo Castle
(Highlights) The present castle building looks beautiful, powerful and in perfect harmony with the surrounding environment. However, it was the venue of hegemony, bloody conflicts and natural disasters for many centuries. Once you visit the castle, you will be amazed at the magnificent structures, huge moats and the beautiful natural environment. The view from the top of the eight-storied donjon is splendid. You can reach there either by going up the steep stairways or taking an elevator ride. The castle is in the heart and the landmark of Osaka city, where many modern buildings stand. (How to enjoy) You can enjoy a leisurely walk along the one-kilometer road leading to the castle after you get off the train and, once inside the precincts, you cannot spare even a moment without marveling at the sight of an ancient technology and human wisdom, as well as the huge rocks building up the protection walls. Not only seeing the buildings, you can also sit on the grass and enjoy having lunch with your family members or friends. (Others) The entrance fee is 600 yen per person and the JR Osaka Loop Line train fare is 300 yen for the ride from Osaka to Osaka-jo-koen station. The fare for the ride between Kyoto and Osaka, meanwhile, is 510 yen.
Perfect Trip in Osaka
There are many interesting and exciting places to visit in Osaka. But it might take at least a few days to visit all the popular places. So I chose the best places to visit in Osaka and I will take you to all in 1 day!! You will enjoy the culture and history and food of Osaka. And I'm sure that you will be in love with Osaka by the end of the tour ;)
Himeji Castle Day Trip by Shinkansen from Osaka
You can experience a time travel to the feudal period to encounter Samurai, Japanese warriors. Himeji Castle (姫路城, Himejijō), also known as White Heron Castle (Shirasagijo) due to its elegant, white appearance, is widely recognized as Japan's most spectacular castle for its imposing size and beauty and its well preserved, complex castle grounds.The first fortifications built on the site were completed in the 1400s. The castle complex as it survives today was completed in 1609.
